Duties of a dad

There’s nothing to make one feel responsible all of a sudden like the birth of a child, as a first time dad recently told us …

“The birth of your child is one of the most amazing, wonderful things you’ll ever experience.

Your partner has been carrying your baby inside her for months and you’ve tried to support her as much as possible. I remember though – during labour – feeling useless as my wife went through so much pain and I was not able to help. In fact, in my panic, I hindered – encouraging her to push when she was supposed to be panting!

And while I understood, as a concept, that at some point the bump would become a child, nothing can prepare you for that punch of love when you hold your baby in your arms for the first time. You’re suddenly responsible for this tiny person!

The maternity ward feels safe but driving home with a passenger in the baby seat is frightening. Back home, you and your partner are in charge – flying alone. It’s exhilarating but suddenly all the rules have changed and it’s bewildering too.

You’re a grown-up. And, as a grown-up, it’s time to ask yourself some grown-up questions and make some adult decisions – and to plan for your child’s future by writing a Will. You and your partner are going to have to ask yourselves that most terrifying of questions: who will look after our child if something happens to us?”

It’s a horrible thought but, tragically, for the 24,000 children a year who experience the death of a parent (source: Winston’s Wish), a very real situation. There’s a common assumption that your next of kin will automatically be granted guardianship of your children should you die but, if both parents pass away and there’s no valid Will and therefore no legally appointed guardian, children can be put in foster care until the courts decide who they live with.

Thankfully, while the thought of your child being all alone makes your hearts lurch, reassurance is at hand. You can contact us to talk through your options and we can then set them out in writing.

Writing a Will allows you to:-

* Decide who will look after your children should something happen to you

* Ensure your children will be educated in the way you want them to be

* Feel secure in the knowledge there won’t be any family disputes or court battles over who cares for your children

Then, Will written and adult responsibilities undertaken, you can relax into being a father. We’re told, it’s one of the most life affirming experiences ever!

For more information please contact us.

ASHTON GRACE – Specialists in Peace of Mind